by Andrew Connors
Another 2 runs come across for the Titans with Matt Francisco’s RBI single through the right side of the infield. pic.twitter.com/ogD5qgyHC4
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 18, 2021
Saturday afternoon was the textbook definition of a perfect day for baseball, as we had some 14u Boys of Summer action between the LI Titans Robles and the East Meadow Mustangs. The Mustangs entered play with a record of 1-2, while this was the second game of the year for the 1-0 LI Titans.
Gabe Newman was the starting pitcher for the East Meadow Mustangs, but the Titans jumped on him immediately. The Titans put up six runs in the first inning by way of five hits, 2 of which being extra base hits. However, Neman settled in and redeemed himself, pitching a very quick 2nd inning and giving his team a chance to get back into the game.
Unfortunately for the Mustangs, the LI Titans’ starter, Jake Madsen, was on his game all afternoon. Madsen came out in the first inning and retired the side in order, and never really looked back from there. As the game went on and the temperature continued to rise, it looked as if Madsen was only getting stronger while others seemed to be fading from the heat. His final stat line is proof of this, as he finished with a complete game shutout, four strikeouts, three hits allowed, and only two walks.
Parker Goldstein was tasked with relief pitcher duties for the Mustangs as they headed into the third inning. Goldstein was lights out in his first inning of work, setting down the hot Titans team in order with help of a double play. However, the Titans made some adjustments and jumped on him in the 4th inning for four more runs. This outburst of offense put the game out of reach, and the umpires called the game early due to the league’s mercy rule.
The final score of Saturday’s game was 12-0 in favor of the Titans, and they had a lot of contributors on the offensive side of things. Ryan Lane was the one to get things moving for the Titans as he demolished a ball over the centerfielder’s head with the bases loaded for a double in the first inning to score 3 runs. Matt Francisco followed up on Lane’s big at-bat later in the inning with a 2-RBI double of his own. Francisco finished his day going 2-for-3 as well. Lastly, Nick Scraper went 2-for-4 with both of his two RBIs coming in the final inning of the game.
Both teams fought hard Saturday afternoon, but it was clear that the Titans were just on top of their game and that it was one of those days where they felt like they could do no wrong. Looking ahead, the East Meadow Mustangs look to even up their record as they will go on to face the Elite Edge Clippers in a doubleheader on Saturday, September 25th. For the LI Titans, they look to keep their budding undefeated season alive as they will face the B1000 Seminoles MF on Sunday, September 19th. They will also play the LIB A2K immediately after their showdown with the Seminoles.
